Hawaii governor bans conversion therapy on LGBTQ youth

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii Gov. David Ige this week signed into law a bill that bans therapists from offering "conversion therapy" to LGBTQ youths under the age of 18.

"The overwhelming scientific research has shown that conversion therapy is not effective and frequently has lasting, harmful psychological impacts on minors," Ige said Friday at a bill-signing ceremony. "This practice is neither medically nor ethically appropriate."

Democratic Sen. Stanley Chang introduced the bill, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.

"This is one of those bills that's a no-brainer," Chang said. "Ask anyone below the age of 30 in Hawaii or across the country, I think they'd be shocked that this practice still happens."

The ban on what's technically known as "sexual orientation change efforts" includes the practice of attempting to change a person's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression and applies to psychiatrists, social workers, marriage and family therapists and other licensed professionals.

Hawaii is the 12th state to put such a prohibition in place.

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The Gayly. May 27, 2018. 1;44 a.m. CST.